Sanofi reports positive trial data for new cholesterol therapy

Sanofi has announced detailed positive results from four clinical studies that underline the benefits its new anti-cholesterol therapy alirocumab can deliver.

The drug – which was developed in partnership with Regeneron – was evaluated among people with hypercholesterolaemia as part of the Odyssey clinical trial programme, meeting its primary efficacy endpoint in each of the four studies.

In the Odyssey Long Term trial, the investigational treatment was associated with a 62 percent reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) compared to placebo at 24 weeks, when used in conjunction with maximally-tolerated lipid-lowering therapy.

The three additional studies offered similarly positive outcomes, while a consistent safety profile was also observed.

Dr Jennifer Robinson of the College of Public Health at the University of Iowa said: "Across these four trials, alirocumab showed significant and sustained reductions in LDL-C over one year on top of standard-of-care statin therapy across different patient types."

The findings were presented at the European Society of Cardiology congress, which is taking place in Barcelona until September 3rd 2014.